Conflict Strategies Inventory

2nd Edition
by Eileen M. Russo, PhD, Matthew Eckler, and the HRDQ Development Team

Conflict happens. And that's a good thing.

Some people thrive on it. Some try to run from it. And others avoid it altogether. But regardless of how people respond to conflict, one thing is certain. It's present in all aspects of life, both personal and professional. The trick to prospering through conflict is to first understand it - and then know how to manage it effectively. In fact, research shows that proper conflict resolution can result in the stimulation of new ideas and solutions, better problem solving, and even performance improvement.

The Conflict Strategies Inventory addresses the challenge of handling conflict. Based on the well-known Blake and Mouton styles grid as well as the work of many other respected researchers, the self-assessment uses ten hypothetical workplace situations to identify a preference for one of five basic conflict strategies: Integrating, Avoiding, Smoothing, Competing, and Compromising.

Learning Outcomes

• Identify one's preferred strategy for managing conflict
• Learn the five different ways people react to conflict
• Understand how to apply the Integrating strategy to conflict
• Create an action plan to resolve current conflicts

Trainers have relied upon the Conflict Strategies Inventory for more than 15 years as a go-to resource for learning how to manage conflict in the workplace. It's an excellent way to introduce the five response strategies, create a personal Conflict Strategy Profile, encourage people to consider different perspectives, and take immediate action to resolve recurrent issues. From general staff to team members and managers, individuals at all levels of the organization will find this tool immensely helpful.

How it works

The Conflict Strategies Inventory is based upon the well-known Blake and Mouton styles grid as well as the works of many other respected researchers in the field of conflict management. Presented with ten hypothetical workplace situations, individuals identify a preference for one of five basic conflict strategies: Integrating, Avoiding, Smoothing, Competing, and Compromising. The self-assessment takes approximately 20 minutes to complete, and we recommend you allow up to an hour for the interpretation of results, debrief, and action planning.

The Facilitator Set includes tools to lead a powerful two-hour training session, including comprehensive background information, step-by-step workshop guidelines, skill-practice activities, reproducible worksheets, alternative training designs, and a professional Microsoft® PowerPoint® presentation. Trainer certification is not required to administer or facilitate the Conflict Strategies Inventory.

Uses and Applications
The Conflict Strategies Inventory is appropriate for any individual in the midst of conflict. It can be used as a stand-alone learning instrument, the centerpiece of a more comprehensive curriculum, or a tool to:

• Develop new approaches and solutions
• Tackle recurrent conflict issues
• Inspire interest and creativity
• Introduce conflict management skills to teams

Target Audience
Individuals at all levels of the organization, especially those in the midst of conflict

Product Type
Self-assessment and workshop

Measures
Preference for one of five conflict strategies

Dimensions

• Integrating
• Avoiding
• Smoothing
• Competing
• Compromising

Time Required
Administration: 20 minutes
Interpretation: 1 hour
Workshop: 2 hours

What to Order

Facilitator Set:Order one per trainer.
The comprehensive facilitator set includes everything trainers need to deliver the Conflict Strategies Inventory, including background information, administrative guidelines, a step-by-step workshop outline, skill-practice activities, alternative workshop designs, a Microsoft® PowerPoint® presentation, and a sample participant guide.

Self-Assessment: Order one per individual or participant.
The Conflict Strategies Inventory self-assessment includes the 10-item inventory with pressure-sensitive scoring, Personal Conflict Strategy Profile, interpretive information, the Five Conflict Strategies, uses for each strategy, and discussion questions.

QuickStart Training: Optional
Whether you are a novice trainer or seasoned facilitator, we highly recommend  QuickStart Training. Personalized, one-on-one telephone coaching gets you up-to-speed quickly. Our subject matter experts will review the product content with you, offer ideas for tailoring it to your specific needs, discuss typical participant questions and reactions, and more.

Authors

Dr. Eileen M. Russo is a former vice president of research and development for HRDQ. She has a Ph.D. in social psychology with a minor in organizational behavior, an M.S. in social psychology from the University of Pittsburgh, and a B.A. in psychology from Fairfield University. Her work includes research in social influence, group behavior, decision making, and perceptions of control at work. Dr. Russo is the author of many HRDQ products, including the bestselling What's My Communication Style? assessment.

Matthew Eckler received his BS in Communications Media with an emphasis in Organizational Communication from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. As part of the HRDQ Research and Development Team, Matt produced such titles as the Mars Surface Rover Game, Conflict Strategies Inventory, and the Force Field Problem Solving Model. Matt's areas of expertise are process improvement, survey instrumentation, and educational needs assessment.

Free resources

Theoretical Background - office@dekon.biz 

Reviews

"I've used the Conflict Strategies Inventory with clients at various levels in banking, manufacturing, and the legal profession. I like the fact that it challenges people to look differently at conflict. It not only stimulates a lot of valuable discussion, it's actionable, which is the biggest reason I choose it over another well-known assessment."
~Glen Whipple, LTI Consulting, LLC

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Resilience:
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